Can ginger lower blood pressure
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Can Ginger Lower Blood Pressure?
Ginger Supplementation and Blood Pressure Reduction
Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses
Several systematic reviews and meta-analyses have investigated the effects of ginger supplementation on blood pressure. A comprehensive meta-analysis of six randomized clinical trials involving 345 participants found that ginger supplementation significantly reduced both systolic blood pressure (SBP) by an average of 6.36 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) by 2.12 mmHg. The effects were more pronounced in studies with participants aged 50 years or younger, a follow-up duration of 8 weeks or less, and ginger doses of 3 grams per day or more.
Randomized Controlled Trials
A systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) highlighted mixed results. One double-blind RCT with 70 diabetic patients found no significant effect of ginger on blood pressure. However, another trial with healthy subjects showed that a 100 mg/kg dose of ginger significantly lowered SBP and DBP within two hours. Another study focusing on type 2 diabetes patients found that while ginger did reduce blood pressure, the results were not statistically significant.
Specific Populations and Conditions
Research on specific populations, such as postpartum hypertensive mothers, has shown promising results. An experimental study with 40 postpartum hypertensive mothers found that red ginger nanoparticle supplementation significantly reduced both SBP and DBP over a two-week period when combined with the antihypertensive drug nifedipine. Similarly, another study on gestational hypertension reported significant reductions in both SBP and DBP with red ginger extract supplementation.
Mechanisms of Action
Calcium Channel Blockade
Ginger's blood pressure-lowering effects are partly attributed to its ability to block voltage-dependent calcium channels. Experimental studies on animals have demonstrated that ginger extract induces a dose-dependent reduction in arterial blood pressure by inhibiting calcium channels, similar to the action of the drug verapamil .
Vasodilation and Cardiovascular Effects
Ginger also exhibits vasodilatory effects, which contribute to its hypotensive properties. Studies have shown that ginger extract can relax vascular smooth muscles and reduce vascular resistance, leading to lower blood pressure. This vasodilatory effect is both endothelium-dependent and independent, involving multiple pathways such as muscarinic receptor stimulation and calcium channel blockade .
Combined Effects with Other Substances
Ginger and Garlic
A study evaluating the combined effects of ginger and garlic on blood pressure found that both single and combined doses significantly reduced diastolic blood pressure in laboratory animals. The combination also improved lipid profiles, suggesting a cardio-protective effect.
Ginger and Vinegar
In a study involving renovascular hypertensive rats, the combined oral intake of ginger extract and rice vinegar significantly suppressed blood pressure increases. This effect was linked to increased endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) mRNA expression and nitric oxide (NO) production, which are known to contribute to vasodilation and blood pressure reduction.
Conclusion
The current body of research suggests that ginger supplementation can effectively lower blood pressure, particularly in specific populations and under certain conditions. The mechanisms behind this effect include calcium channel blockade and vasodilation. However, the evidence is not entirely consistent, and further studies are needed to confirm these findings and determine optimal dosages and treatment durations.
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